Antisocial personality versus GP reported and self-reported health outcomes

This study sought to investigate the relationship between psychosocial risk factors at age 8-10, antisocial personality (ASP) at ages 18, 32 and 48, and poor health (based on self-reports and GP records). Using data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development, a prospective longitudinal survey of 411 South London males, we found that high ASP scores at ages 18, 32 and 48 were related to a high prevalence of hospitalization. We also found that, according to GP records, high ASP scores at age 32 were related to poor physical health, and high ASP scores at age 48 were related to more mental illness and disabling medical conditions. Of the age 8-10 risk factors, a convicted father and high daring significantly predicted self-reported hospitalization. Low family income significantly predicted GP-reported mental illness and disabling medical conditions. Some of the relationships with high ASP scores did not hold up after controlling for age 8-10 risk factors. Findings from this study are important for developing intervention and risk assessment plans. They also highlight the importance of longitudinal and life-course approaches in investigating the interface between antisocial personality, lifestyles and health.